Curling Long Hair: Easy, Heat-Free Methods For Dreamy Curls

There are many ways to curl your hair without using heat tools, which can cause damage to your hair. Some methods include using everyday items such as leggings, headbands, socks, or even toilet paper to create curls. Other ways to curl your hair without heat are braiding, twisting, or using rollers. These techniques can give you anything from loose waves to tight curls, depending on your desired look.

Braid your hair and leave it overnight

• Comb your hair to get rid of tangles.
• Comb your hair into the desired placement of the braid.
• Section off your hair into three even sections.
• Overlap one outer strand over the middle strands and then repeat with the opposite strand.
• Continue to smooth the hair as you continue to braid.
• Braid all the way until the ends of the hair, and secure it with an elastic.
• In the morning, undo the braids and apply a smoothing hair oil to tame any frizz.

Use rollers

If you want to curl your long hair without heat, rollers are a great option. They have been used to create stunning curls for decades and are a tried-and-true method. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use rollers to curl your long hair:

Step 1: Gather your supplies

You will need a set of rollers, hair mousse or styling lotion, and bobby pins. You can also use a wide-toothed comb to detangle your hair before starting.

Step 2: Prepare your hair

Wash and condition your hair as usual. If you are not washing your hair, simply dampen it with water. Your hair should be damp, not soaking wet, as this will help the curls set better. Gently towel-dry your hair until it is slightly damp. Detangle your hair with a wide-toothed comb to ensure there are no knots.

Step 3: Apply styling product

Apply a small amount of mousse or styling lotion to your hair, focusing on the ends. This will help define and hold your curls. Comb through your hair to distribute the product evenly.

Step 4: Start rolling

Take a small section of hair, about 1-2 inches wide, and clip the rest of your hair out of the way. Place the roller at the end of the hair section and start rolling it towards your scalp. Make sure to roll the hair smoothly and tightly to avoid frizz.

Step 5: Secure the roller

Once you reach your scalp, secure the roller in place with a bobby pin. Repeat this process until all your hair is rolled up. Depending on the length and thickness of your hair, you may need more or fewer rollers.

Step 6: Let your hair dry

Leave the rollers in your hair for at least a few hours, or overnight for best results. You can speed up the drying process by using a hairdryer on a cool setting, but avoid using heat as this defeats the purpose of heatless curls.

Step 7: Remove the rollers

Once your hair is completely dry, gently remove the rollers. Be careful not to tug or pull on your hair as this may disrupt the curls.

Step 8: Style your curls

Use your fingers to gently loosen and separate the curls. You can also use a wide-toothed comb for a softer, wavier look. Apply a light hold hairspray to set your curls and you're done!

Using rollers is an easy and effective way to curl your long hair without heat. With this method, you can achieve beautiful, bouncy curls that will last all day.

Tie your hair with a scarf

There are many ways to curl long hair without heat, one of which is by using a scarf. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Firstly, apply a curl-enhancing product to your hair. Joico Brand Storyteller, Olivia Smalley, recommends using their Zero Heat Air Dry Crème. This product is a no-heat, no-hassle styler that enhances your hair's natural texture.

Next, grab a scarf and roll it up lengthwise until it is about one inch thick. Then, clip or pin the scarf to the top of your head, positioning it close to your face.

Now, separate your hair into two equal sections, as if you were going to put your hair into pigtails. Starting with one side, wrap small sections of hair around the scarf, twisting away from your face as you go down the scarf. The tighter you wrap your hair, the tighter the curl will be.

Secure the hair with a hair tie at the end and repeat the process on the other side. Let your hair dry completely, preferably overnight.

Once your hair is dry, gently remove the scarf and unravel your hair. Smooth out the ends of your hair with your fingers and a bit of water, if necessary. Finally, run your fingers through your hair to break up the curls and create a natural, effortless look.

In addition to this method, scarves can also be used to tie your hair back in a variety of ways, such as a French braid, a half top knot, or a full head wrap.

Twist hair with a T-shirt

Twisting your hair with a T-shirt is a great way to achieve curls without heat. This method is known as "plopping" and is popular among those with curly hair. It involves drying your hair with a cotton T-shirt instead of a towel to reduce frizz and enhance volume and definition. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to twist your hair with a T-shirt:

Step 1: Prepare Your Hair

Start by washing your hair. After shampooing, ensure your hair is still damp, and then apply your usual hair products such as leave-in conditioners, oils, or creams. Use a scrunching method to work the product into your hair, starting from the ends and moving up.

Step 2: Position Your T-Shirt

Lay your T-shirt on a flat surface, such as a counter or a bed, with the end with the sleeves closest to you. Then, flip your hair over so that it hangs towards the center of the shirt. Gather your hair at the crown of your head to provide lift at the roots.

Step 3: Wrap and Twist the T-Shirt

Flip the T-shirt onto your head so that the bottom of the fabric sits at the nape of your neck. Bring the side of the T-shirt that is closest to you to your forehead and then bring the ends together at the nape of your neck. Now, bring the far side of the T-shirt to the nape of your neck and press it to secure the ends.

Step 4: Tie the Sleeves

Holding the sleeves in your hands, rise and gently tug them. Tighten the T-shirt until it feels secure, and then tie the sleeves together. If the sleeves are long, you may need to bring them to the back and tie them again or tuck the ends at the sides.

Step 5: Remove the T-Shirt and Style

Allow your hair to dry for 10 to 20 minutes, or until it's about 70% dry. Then, untie the sleeves and gently remove the T-shirt. Let your hair air-dry completely, and then style as desired.

Plopping is a simple and effective way to get beautiful, bouncy curls without using any heat. It works for both long and short hair and can be done with a cotton T-shirt, a cotton pillowcase, or a microfiber towel. Give it a try and enjoy your heatless curls!

Bantu knots

To start, part your dry or damp hair into the desired sections. Apply a styling product and brush it through. Then, separate your hair into two pieces and begin twisting. Once you reach the end of the twist, wrap the hair around itself until it forms a knot, and tuck the ends into the bottom of the knot.

For best results, allow your hair to dry completely before taking out the knots. Once your hair is dry, apply oil to your hands and gently remove the knots. Use a pick or a wide-tooth comb to fluff and shape your new curls.

Some people prefer to do Bantu knots on dry hair, as they find that their hair holds the style better that way. However, others find that doing Bantu knots on wet or damp hair helps to create more defined curls. If you have straight hair, you may want to try doing the knots on wet hair to help create more defined ringlets.

To create more defined curls, it is recommended to make smaller sections when dividing your hair. This will result in tighter curls when you take out the knots. Additionally, the longer you keep the knots in your hair, the more defined your curls will be.

Frequently asked questions